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Community Voices!
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Through your new magazine and online community, you give voice to the whole community. —Your friends at Kalamazoo College
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Community In Print & Online
From the Publisher MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE
Leadership Benefits a Community
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., believed, “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” That’s what Tim Terrentine, Vice President of Southwest Michigan Firsts believes. It’s also what drives him to work toward bringing jobs into the community to build wealth for family, economy, and education. He said wealth means being “free financially to make choices that help your family,” and trickles into other aspects of society. In this issue we highlight Tim and others who too are leaders in their fields. Whether its through the efforts of the Food Bank of South Central Michigan or the efforts of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, leadership can be found throughout our communities in organizations with one employee or hundreds of volunteers. Even in the pulpits of our churches, women are stepping up to help others learn to step out on faith. As we head into this season of giving and prepare to welcome family and friends into our homes, let us think about what we give to our communities. We all have gifts and talents that can be put to work. We all have issues with aspects of our schools, neighborhoods or government entities which our passion could lead toward making a positive change. We all have that something Dr. King said we should do well. Let’s begin to take pride in what we have to offer and use it to become a wealthy community, financially, spiritually and physically. See you online!
Sonya Bernard-Hollins Editor-In-Chief
Volume 01, Issue 03 Your Community, Your Voice
Founders Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010) Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-Hollins
Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Webmaster
Geoffrey Brege
Photographers Sonya Bernard-Hollins Sean Hollins For more information visit us at: www.comvoicesonline.com or write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 For advertising rates or to have magazines offered free at a location call: 269-365-4019 Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan. Subscriptions are available.
On the Cover: Tim Terrentine is Vice President of Southwest Michigan First based in Kalamazoo, MI. Photo by Sean Hollins.
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The holidays are a time for family to get together to share good meals and create new memories. However, oftentimes we forget the special memories of the past. Use the holiday season to make sure your family history continues for generations. Interview Your Family Today for the Generations to Come.
Start with simple questions:
Name: Parent’s Names: Place of Birth: Date of Birth: Siblings: Education: When did they move to the city they are in? Why did they move here? Job/Career:
Hobbies: Most memorable moment growing up: Most devastating moment growing up: Spouse: Children: Special talent/skill: What do they remember about their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.: What were their dreams as a child?
These questions will lead to much conversation and more questions! Videotape your interview. The recording will be something everyone will have to remember how that person looks and sounds years after they are gone. Get as many photos as possible. Take these pictures, identify those in them in detail...ex: “This is your great uncle Kent who was the oldest of my siblings. He was born in 1905 in our home in Manchester, Arkansas.” Now...on to the next www.comvoicesonline.com oldest relative!
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Contents What’s Inside
Education
Native Americans Celebrate their Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6
Feature Story
On the Job: Kalamazoo Natives Lead Job Efforts in Michigan
Organizations Food Bank Serves the Community
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Sports
Native Spotlight: Greg Jennings . . . . . . . . . p.17
Youth
Entertainment
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Motown’s Goodbye to Esther Gordy-Edwards
Phoenix High School: Aiming High . . . . . .
p. 21
Faith Female ministers make impact . . . . . . . . . . p.20
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EDUCATION Community Voices Celebrates November: American Indian Month
In Living Color: Students Learns History in the Present
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visit to the 24th Annual Kee-Boon-Mein Kaa in Dowagiac, MI allowed students of the Merze Tate Travel Club to learn first-hand the history of the Potawatomi. The event was sponsored by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians at Rodgers Lake in Dowagiac. Student photographer Tori Zackery captured on film the vibrant culture of a people with rich history in Michigan. Pg. 7: Kyra Hudson creates a dream catcher during an arts and crafts station; students pose with event guide, and Irene Bedard, voice of the Disney cartoon Pocahontas.
Tori Zackery, 10th grader at Kalamazoo Central High School is an original member and photographer of the Merze Tate Travel Club.
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Did you know...
• • • •
In 1838 Leopold Pokagon purchased land for his village in Silver Creek Township near Dowagiac, Mich., and moved his people from Bertrand Township, Mich. Potawatomi from northern Indiana and Michigan sought refuge at Pokagon’s village and today the descendants of this group are the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The Pokagon homeland is identified now as the six counties of LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke, Marshall and Kosciusko in northern Indiana and the four counties of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren and Allegan in southwest Michigan. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi owns and operates the Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan and the Four Winds Casino in Hartford, Michigan. Information from /www.pokagonband-nsn.gov.
Community Voices Junior Reporter Camps are created for youth interested in learning more about the media. Get your students involved today! For more information, call 269-365-4019. www.comvoicesonline.com
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Section history
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Paul Frazier sees young men daily as owner of International Profyle Barbershop in Kalamazoo. As he talks to them he realizes many of them need good ole’ fashion time and attention. What better way to bond than by fishing.? Frazier founded the Fishin’ Weather Project with the help of a Kalamazoo Community Foundation Good Neighbor Grant.
The project takes urban youth who attend Milwood Magnet School and exposes them to meteorology and how it pertains to the fishing experience in S.W. Michigan. These 6- 8th graders get to see the outdoors in a whole new light while interacting with male role models. Learn more about the Fishin’ Weather Project at:
www.thefishinweatherproject.com
BUILD COMMUNITY. CREATE CHANGE. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation helps ordinary people turn their ideas for change into projects that benefit our entire community. Through our Good Neighbor Grants program, we put up to $1,000 into the hands of those closest to the issues that need to be addressed and empower them to be good neighbors. To learn more, call 269.381.4416 or visit www.kalfound.org.
LEARN MORE www.kalfound.org www.comvoicesonline.com
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Health Section
Grief: Not a Sign of Weakness By Julie Waldron
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rief is not a sign of weakness. Grief is not a sign of . . . Maybe if we continue to repeat that message, it will begin to sink into our minds and hearts as truth. As grief counselors at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, we deliver that message to the community through family meetings, presentations at churches, memorial services, newsletters, Facebook, art, music and even play. Simply put, grief is “all the feelings that come after someone you love dies.” Sadness, anger, shock, confusion, frustration, and fear are some of those feelings. If one could imagine a big box filled with all of the feelings and experiences that a child or teen has after someone dies, that box could be labeled, GRIEF. No two GRIEF boxes will be exactly the same. A 7 year old whose grandparent dies of natural causes will likely have a very different experience of grief than a 17 year old whose friend is killed. The cause of death, the age of the person who died, the age of the grieving person, and the amount of support a child receives will all affect the experience and make each person’s story unique. As adults who care about children, let us remember that children can heal from grief. Parents and other adults often fear that a child is “ruined” because of a major loss. Instead of “ruined,” consider that a child or teen is changed by the death.
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ulie Waldron, MA LLP is the Program Coordinator of Journeys, a support group for children and teens through Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Julie has over 10 years experience working with grieving children and families. Visit our website at www.hospiceswmi.org or find us on Facebook by searching Journeys: A Path to Healing. 10
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Ways you can help • Seek support for the grieving child. Special grief groups can help to show children and teens that they are not alone. In the words of one teen, “I’m not the only one who feels like I’m the only one.” Help the child connect to church, school or other caring adults to get the support he or she needs. • Teach children and teens that grieving is not “weird” or “crazy”; it’s a natural and normal response to any important loss. Finally, be patient. Grieving almost always takes longer than we wish it would. Remember that grief is a process and not a one-time event. For more information about grief groups for children and teens, contact Julie Waldron at (269) 345-0273.
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Facing a serious illness is never easy.
We understand. Talk to us. (269)345-0273
Serving our community since 1981 www.hospiceswmi.org
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Feature “I appreciate Gov. Snyder’s confidence and look forward to working hand-in-hand with civic leaders, job providers and all who have a genuine interest in revitalizing these jewels of Michigan.” Harvey Hollins III, director of the Michigan Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives
“If we have jobs, the restaurants will have people who can afford to bring their families there; the real estate market will have people to sell homes to; the schools will have families who can stay in our community and take advantage of programs like the Kalamazoo Promise. “ Tim Terrentine, VP Southwest Michigan First
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On The State Level
Above: Clockwise: Gov. Rick Snyder poses with Harvey Hollins III, the newly appointed director of the Michigan Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives, his children Jayla, Nayanna, Malia and wife, Natreece. Bottom right: Gov. Snyder meets the Hollins girls. Photos provided by Harvey Hollins III.
Gov. Rick Snyder is making moves to help the state increase job growth and is utilizing the talents of one West Michigan man to do just that. Harvey Hollins III, who graduated with honors from Otsego High School in 1983, was recently named director of the Michigan Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives. Hollins, born in South Haven, Mich., will serve as a principal adviser to the governor on matters related to urban and regional economic initiatives that contribute to job growth. While in Detroit, he also will establish offices in Grand Rapids and the Flint-Saginaw area. He leaves his position as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Wayne State University (since 2004) to take on this new challenge. He earned bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College where
he received the Catherine A. Smith Award for Human Rights, and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. The office is the result of a partnership between the state and the Council of Michigan Foundations, a nonprofit association that works to strengthen, promote and increase philanthropy in Michigan and builds on the successful partnership of the Office of Foundation Liaison to the governor already in place.
Development Executive Group established by Snyder. The group, headed by Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Mike Finney, includes agencies such as the MEDC, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
Initial financial support is provided by DENSO and the W.K Kellogg, C.S. Mott and The Kresge foundations with other foundations anticipated to join in providing financial support in 2012. The office will work closely with the Economic www.comvoicesonline.com
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Section Feature
On The Regional Level Tim Terrentine
Age: 32 Hometown: Born in Saginaw, raised in Kalamazoo Education: Graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School (‘97); earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Western Michigan University Family: Wife, Greta, and two daughters ages 13 and 3. Church: Bible Baptist Church Hobbies: laughing, singing and watching Sanford and Son. Favorite Food: Sushi
Junior high school can be a challenge for many students, particularly one with a mustache. Tim Terrentine, vice president of Southwest Michigan First laughs as he reflects on his childhood and the beginnings of what made him the leader he is today. “I looked old enough to be driving to school, and I thought I was cool,” Terrentine remembered. Being cool also meant having Michael Jordan gym shoes, something his father, a psychopharmacologist at Upjohn Co., would not buy. That’s when Terrentine got creative and started his own business--neighborhood lawn care. He said it was the influence of his heroes, his parents, Robert Earl and Bonnie Terrentine that helped keep him grounded and encouraged him to think big. That thinking has led to him being second-in-command of Southwest Michigan First as vice president under the leadership of Ron Kitchens, the organization’s president, and Terrentine’s mentor. In the past Terrentine was known for his active work with youth as local director of the Jeter’s Leaders program founded by Kalamazoo native and baseball giant, Derek Jeter. He also is known for his innovative leadership as executive director of the nearly 90-year-old Douglas Community Center. However, it’s his current work, encouraging companies to bring jobs to Southwest Michigan, that he said is yet, the most rewarding. “This position has afforded me the opportunity to join a great team of people dedicated to creating jobs and wealth for our community,” Terrentine said. He said many people think of wealth as having a million dollars, when in actuality wealth is “being free financially to make choices that help your family.” 14
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Terrentine said the economy is coming back through companies and people who make things. The days of getting out of high school and working a factory job and retiring is over. “There is no more demand for the ill-prepared,” he said. “I encourage communities to make sure their children have high quality educational experiences. If they lag behind in kindergarten, it’s very difficult for them to catch up.” Terrentine’s fear is that parents who do not read to their children but allow them to just watch TV, and play video games are setting them up for a senseless future. And while not every student is cut out for college, that is no excuse not to obtain higher education. “Careers in technology have a huge shortage of those in skilled trades,” Terrentine said. “Welders, machine operators, tool makers, those are the jobs that need skill and are in high demand.” At the end of the day, Terrentine says prepared, critical thinkers are needed in the workforce of the future. Parents who he said encouraged him to dream, and held him accountable for his actions are the key to his success. “At a very young age I was encouraged to create a job for myself when I needed money, ask questions, and ask for help,” Terrentine said. “When an opportunity wasn’t there, I went looking for it. We have a choice to better prepare ourselves so when an opportunity comes, we are ready.”
What’s Your Plan B?
Do you dream of playing professional sports? You say you want to walk the runway like Tyra Banks? Maybe you want to become the next American Idol. We are all encouraged to follow our dreams. However, if more than 150,000 boys are playing high school basketball and only .03% of them will make it to the NBA, what happens if you are NOT in that number? Think about your Plan B.
I really like to...
Who will benefit from my skills? What will I need to do to make this happen? (college, trade school, internships, etc.)
The careers in those fields are... Will I have to relocate?
Where will I use these talents?
Who can I job shadow to learn more?
Will my skills be needed in the next 20 years?
Will knowing other languages be a plus? www.comvoicesonline.com
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organizations
Food Bank:
“We Believe No One Should Go Hungry” When Rose Miller began volunteering at the Food Bank in Battle Creek in 1987, it had moved out of a small location on Washington Avenue to 100 Page St. in Marshall. In 1989 the organization returned to Battle Creek where it would eventually operate out of its current 40,000 square foot location at 5451 Wayne Road in Battle Creek. As Miller (pictured to the right) walks through the warehouse she sees a few of the more than 2,000 volunteers preparing after-school meal packs for students, and repackaging some of the more than six million pounds of food donated from national distributors. In her position as director of Agency Relations, she sees the passion of people dedicated to making feeding families one less worry for many struggling in these hard economic times. She says 75 percent of the 278 agencies they distribute food to are soup kitchens. Others who receive the donations include domestic violence shelters, day care centers, church pantries, 14 schools, and other organizations in Battle Creek, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Barry, Branch and St. Joe counties as well as Hillsdale and Lenewee. The Food Bank, directed by Bob Randels, has a mission to “feed hungry people by collecting and distributing food and grocery products, advocating for hunger-relief programs and collaborating with others who address basic human needs.” The organization is making great strides in feeding the area with the help of local corporations. Now, having more volunteers to distribute the food is a need. After more than 20 years with the Food Bank, Miller said hard times are leading new families, laid off professionals and displaced workers among those in need. “Times are getting harder and we are seeing those who, in the past, may not have been in need for food donations. We want to be able to feed all who need it,” Miller said. www.comvoicesonline.com 16 | FALL 2011
Native Spotlight Greg Jennings is a native of Kalamazoo, MI and a star wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. As he divides his time in Kalamazoo and in Wisconsin, he is active giving back to both communities through the Greg Jennings Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to partner with and assist other organizations in educating youth by providing the necessary resources in order for them to reach their academic potential. The non-profit Christian based organization is dedicated to assisting children and families obtain their personal, professional and financial goals. Jennings’ Foundation is well known for its annual Thanksgiving Basket and turkey giveaways. In 2008, the foundation sponsored a Thanksgiving meal which allowed nearly 300 area residents and volunteers to break bread together for the sake of giving back. Jennings shares why that’s important to him. Voices: : What is your fondest memory of a family Thanksgiving? Jennings: My earliest memory of a family Thanksgiving dates back to when I was around 7 years old. Every Thanksgiving my mom and dad would begin preparing the feast a couple of days earlier. I can always remember the aroma of homemade cornbread and chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery to be added to my mom’s famous dressing. Every year, it is tradition to have all meals prepared before noon. A special moment during every Thanksgiving is having everyone around the dinner table share why they were thankful. Voices: What has been the most rewarding aspect of this Thanksgiving Basket ministry? Jennings: Giving is such a rewarding experience for me. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. Thanksgiving is one the most important holidays where most individuals spend time with their family around a dinner table full of great dishes to consume. However, everyone does not have the luxury of having great holiday memories and I feel that I have been blessed with wonderful parents who taught me the importance of giving back and that is what I strive to do. Voices: Share of a particular year or family served that will always be a special memory to you. Jennings: (In 2008 at the Douglass Community Center in Kalamazoo) my foundation, along with many volunteers, prepared a traditional Thanksgiving Community Feast dinner for 250 residents and staff of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Children were able to play on bouncers, play games in the Boys and Girls Club center, and enjoy other recreational activities. I remember arriving to the dinner as a surprise. I shall never forget this event due to the warm and emotional appreciation of giving on Thanksgiving Day. Voices: As people say, ‘at the end of the day’ what would you want to be most known for? Jennings: I would want to be most known for living a life that was pleasing in the sight of individuals who knew me, and knew of me, but most importantly living a life that was pleasing in the sight of God. My goal is to be the best man I can be. Ultimately, I want my wife, children, parents, siblings, and extended family to say well done, and to be proud of whom I was, a successful God fearing man.
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Faith
*Note: This article reflects a portion
of female ministers in West Michigan.
The spirit called her and she had no choice but to move. She left all she knew and even changed her name. She was to spend the rest of her life traveling, “up an’ down the land, showin’ the people their sins.” And she did. In 1843 at the age of 46, she would henceforth be known as Sojourner Truth. Later Truth became a Methodist preacher and is one of the most well-known and respected African American heroines. She along with Harriet Tubman, the Moses of fugitive slaves, felt it was their duty unto God to preach His salvation and save the souls.
Fast forward into the 21st century and African American women are beginning to break through the glass ceiling of leaders in the pulpit. West Michigan has been graced with the leadership of women in their denominations who have made history.
Although these women were respected for their leadership, it was unheard of for them to be considered as a leader of any churches pulpit.
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“Closer To Christ” The Rev. Denise Posie, pastor of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. She is the first African American, and female pastor of that church which has a historically Dutch congregation. After completing her Masters of Divinity from Columbia International University in South Carolina in 1999 the Detroit native interviewed for the job. “The church was looking for a co-pastor and I answered the ad, not knowing weather or not they would be in acceptance to a woman,” said Posie. “I had a passion for racial reconciliation and saw (Immanuel) was very
interested in being a multi-ethnic church, had a focus on mission work in other countries.” Coming into the 51-year-old church was a challenge for Posie, the congregation, and co-pastor Mark Scheffers. While a majority of the more than 70 members remained, one year after coming on as co-pastor, Scheffers moved on, leaving Posie alone to take the helm. She has continued to lead the church and in 2010, became the first woman president of the Northside Ministerial Alliance. Each Tuesday afternoon, as president of the NMA, she hosts different
“A Long Time Coming”
Pastor Bobette Hampton of Fresh Fire A.M.E. Church in Kalamazoo In 2009 the Rev. Hampton lead the efforts to host the 123rd Session of the Michigan Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church in Kalamazoo. It had been nearly 100 years since the state conference was last held in the city, and brought representatives from more than 70 churches. Her efforts as a woman in the African Methodist Episcopal Church are to be commended.
Fresh Fire, is one of the few A.M.E. churches in the country lead by women. It wasn’t until 2000 that the Rev. Vasht McKenzie became the first
woman elected bishop of an A.M.E. or any predominantly black Methodist denominations.
ministers to bring a message of encouragement to the diverse audience. The gathering allows those from various community organizations to share what they do as well. Her experience as pastor of Immanuel is one she said has allowed her to grow. “One thing about being in a multi-ethnic environment is that you’re always going to be working on something that moves us closer to being one in Christ.”
Hampton is excited that Kalamazoo’s Allen Chapel A.M.E., where she served for 20 years, has elected its first female pastor, in its 156-year history. The Rev. Gloria Clark of Detroit began her pastorship in September. She was formerly appointed to St. Matthew A.M.E. in Detroit. “A lot has changed since I came into the ministry. It’s been a long time coming,” Hampton said.
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Section Faith
“Faithful Servant”
Pastor Geraldine T. Richardson recently celebrated 35 years in the ministry. Her passion for sharing God’s word has lead to her faithful service of Maranatha Original Church of God in Battle Creek, MI. Her congregation, family and former co-workers presented a tribute to Pastor Richardson at the Battle Creek Country Club which was fit for a queen. She was honored through song, dance and teary tributes from those she has mentored in, and outside the church. She retired from Lansing School District in 2002 as administrative secretary to the Deputy Superintendent after 34 years. One of those superintendents was Dr. Michael F. Rice, of Kalamazoo Public Schools who was a featured speaker during the celebration. “When I came to Lansing Public Schools (Gerry) was set to retire,” said Dr. Rice. “But I asked her if she would stay a little while longer, and she did.” The resident of Lansing, MI., has driven to Battle Creek for 35 years faithfully without ever getting even so much as a flat tire.
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Left: Phoenix High School Ambassadors welcome guests to their school open house; top right: Jesus Oropeza and Marcos Roman represent the school’s Bilingual Club; right: Principal Mark Hill greets parents.
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s school principal Mark Hill checks to make sure the students, food, program, and staff are in place for their school’s recent open house, he is not too busy to stop and talk to parents. Joseph Plair, Community Resource Mentor, provides encouragement for the school’s Student Ambassadors who welcome the guests. It’s the one-on-one motivation Hill and Plair bring to Phoenix High School that parents and students love. Phoenix High School is an alternative high school in the Kalamazoo Public School system. They believe “that a collaborative partnership between the school, community and family serves to enhance a foundation of respect, responsibility and high academic achievement.” The Student Ambassadors represent the school and serve on an advisory board led by KPS Superintent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We’ve worked hard to improve Phoenix High School each year, from both a curriculum and a physical plant perspective. We appreciate very much the community’s support of our school and students.,” Rice said. Ambassador Sam Steel, a senior, said he transferred to Phoenix from Kalamazoo Central High School. He likes the one-story school as compared to the three story K-Central for it’s “more personal” feel. As the oldest of seven, he is excited about becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. “I want to play for the NBA, but my Plan B is to become an ultrasound technician,” Steele said. Jesus Oropeza and Marcos Roman are seniors at Phoenix and represented the Bilingual Club during the school’s open house. They say by forming the club it allows them to gain leadership skills. “We want to help (staff) create activities around the Hispanic culture,” said Roman whose grandmother baked cookies for their bake sale. CV www.comvoicesonline.com
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beauty
As the seasons change, lucky for us- so do the trends in beauty and fashion! This keeps our look exciting and fresh- updating the “old” you to the new. Grab your beauty bag and take note of all the possibilities of the Fall/Winter Makeup Trends. The Naked Makeup Face This is the “no make-up,” makeup look. This is one of my favs’ and is very natural looking, bright eyed, fresh and innocent. Lusciously Vamp Lips For those of you who like to make a statement without parting your lips, this one is for you. Amp it up with an opaque lip color- in any texture: Matte, Satin, Cream, and Lustre. Sultry Smokey Eyes The smokey eye has definitely become a classic look! It just keeps reinventing itself; this time with a pop of color. COLOR is the new black for smokey eyes! Tangerine Eyes If you want to draw that certain someone in, I think this will get you noticed. Now I’m not sure what they will think, BUT you’ll definitely start a stare down…ummm, yes! Cateyez (Cat Eyes) I saved the best for last, my signature look and it is my absolute favorite. Pair this with either of the above looks and you are sure to make heads turn. Without the perfect Cateyez, you are just merely ordinary! All in all, makeup looks are made to mix and match for a more eclectic look, or simply choose one to pair with your everyday look to make it your very own. Either way-Beauty is…
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ataanda James, a native of Kalamazoo, MI has represented L’Oreal at the Sundance Film Festival, Speaking of Women’s Health, and Essence Music Festival. She is a National Consultant for L’Oreal Paris and her signature ‘Cat-Eyez’ has been recognized on the runways of The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. She has worked with an A-list clientele including Nick Nolte, America Ferrera, John Waters and Terrence Howard and has served as Director of Make-up for Seventeen and Black Men Magazines. Search her story on www.comvoicesonline.com. CV www.comvoicesonline.com
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f you were lax’ in your hair care during the warmer months, you may have survived with minor damage. But if you do not take some serious precautions during the colder months you will regret it in the spring. * Incorporate a routine that causes very little stress on your hair. Let the hair air dry instead of blow drying it, finger comb the hair or use a wide tooth comb. * Use a humidifier to retain moisture in the air inside of your home or office. This will not only combat dry and brittle hair, but can help prevent or minimize dandruff. *Never leave out without covering your hair. Wear a satin or silk scarf under your winter hat to preserve the style as well as prevent direct contact with the harsh material most hats are made of. *Buns, braid extensions, and weaves are a few protective styles to consider. Each of these styles are generally low maintenance, and if maintained properly will allow you to preserve as much of your hair as possible throughout the winter months.
* Braid extensions are also a great choice for winter months. If you use synthetic braiding hair such as yaki, kanekelon or other synthetic fibers, it is best if you soak the hair in apple cider vinegar and then rinse in cool water before placement. Synthetic braids come coated with a chemical that causes our hair to become dry; this will strip the chemical away. Spray the hair with a braid spray every day, the Growth Spray by Sweet Nature is an excellent.
* Drink plenty of water and let it run through your hair often. You don’t have to shampoo your hair every time you get it wet, but just letting water run through your hair will restore lost moisture.
*The best way of all to combat winter damage is to be proactive. Adopt a weekly routine of washing with a moisturizing shampoo void of SLS and SLES; a good deep conditioner, and good moisturizer that does not contain mineral oil, petrolatum or paraffin, as these ingredients lead to dryness.
*Weaves are considered protective only if they are sewn in and your own hair is cornrowed, out of harm’s way. In this case, the only thing that is essential to retain moisture is to make sure that it is replenished on a regular basis by running water through the hair regularly, followed with a good moisturizing spray.
Eddie Simpson is founder of Sweet Nature Hair Care Products based in Grand Rapids, MI., and columnist for Community Voices.
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in the loop
Above: Cal Street, lead singer of theVelvelettes is shown at the funeral site of Esther Gordy-Edwards in August in Detroit. Others who attended include: top from left: Johnny Bristol Jr. (Battle Creek) and Claudette Robinson, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (Detroit) Berry Gordy, and Stevie Wonder. Photo of Esther Gordy-Edwards by Frank Pettis; others by Sonya Hollins, Community Voices. 24 24
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Thanks for Cal Street of the Velvelettes, Community Voices had an all-access pass to the funeral of Esther Gordy Edwards, founder of the Motown Historical Museum and sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy. The service, held at Bethel AME Church, included a star-studded guest list which included political dignitaries, legendary Motown writers Brian and Eddie Holland, and performers such as Smokie Robinson, Martha Reeves, the Velvelettes, and many others such as Stevie Wonder who was just a teenager when he signed to Motown. The event allowed for a few tears and more celebration by many who reunited after decades to honor a woman who played a key role in the success of Motown and its Motown Historical Museum. Not only was she active in the music industry, Edwards was a political campaign manager, founder of a number of prominent community and nonprofit organizations, and the Gordy Foundation. She has earned the Detroit Urban League’s Distinguished Warriors Award, the Business Achievement Award from PUSH, and was a one of the few women directors of a national bank, the Detroit Bank of the Commonwealth. She also was the first African American appointed to Detroit’s Recorder’s Court Jury Commission, and first African American woman elected Delegate-at-Large from the state of Michigan to the 1960 Democratic National Convention. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Edwards, only 4’10’’ will be remembered as a giant in the industries of music, business and philanthropy. *See more photos in our photo gallery!
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ask the pastor THINK ABOUT IT
When you think, what do you think about? Are your thoughts driven by the problems in your life, community, and the world? Ask yourself, “What was I thinking before I read this question?” Have you given thought to how a virtue may impact your life tomorrow? Dr. Shawn Floyd, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Malone College in Canton, Ohio wrote an article entitled Morally Serious Pedagogy in which he said “Virtues are not ideal abstractions....they are habits acquired within a certain educational framework, namely one that seeks to transform our deficient inclinations and mistaken views about what is choice worthy.” What actually is choice worthy? Keeping up with the Joneses? Compromising virtues sexually and morally? Prisons are filled with people who do their own thing. I have three simple questions. First, what does God expect from you? Second, what do you expect from yourself? Third, where would you like to be in 10 years? Before we can answer any of these questions, we must first consider how the choices we are making help us to get where we want and need to be. If we were to subscribe to Dr. Floyd’s definition of virtue, what changes and choices would be evident in your life that lacks blame of others? Democrats blame Republicans; one race blames another, men and women have been blaming each other since Adam and Eve....and the blame goes on. When humanity gets through blaming each other we all have to live with our virtues. I join with the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I believe one day…
D
CV
r. Abiade is a trained Family Therapist, professor and pastor for Lakeside Wesleyan Church in Muskegon, MI. He conducts marriage and family counseling. Dr. Abiade and his wife, Nancy have been married 27 years.
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